(A.D.85?) [Another personal letter similar in style as the previous, likely written at the same time. However, the recipient on this occasion clearly is an individual, a Gaius whom John had probably led to Christ (vs.4).] He writes to commend him for his genuine Christian integrity and hospitality. Apparently this came on the heels of receiving word that another (Diotrephes) had not been so kind in receiving fellow-laborers in the ministry, even casting out of his Church those who did show them kindness. The contrast is thus seen and so recognized by John, commending the former while condemning the latter. (It is interesting to note the parallels with many modern day preachers, soliciting and permitting in their pulpits only those who will further exalt their own position among their congregations, while denying those who may have been prompted from the Lord to speak, but not a part of their personal, selfish, and often times, hidden agenda. How tragic!) John, here, calls such, evil, and rightly so in any period of the Church's life. These may succeed for a time, attracting many of like-kind from the world to themselves, but know that God is far from them and He will judge them at His appropriate time. Difficult as these may be, they should not deter those who would be truthful and faithful to the Lord, as many are seen as examples (Demetrius named). Again the letter is brief because of his plans for a personal visit. Final salutations with personal greetings.